Day One: Morning

Stop at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. Pick up a map and get an update on trail conditions or recent wildlife sightings.

Have lunch. Pack a snack and water for your afternoon adventure.

Note: There are no restaurants open in the park in the winter. Vending machines are available in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.

Day One: Afternoon

Attend a naturalist program or hit the trails for a hike, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing under the towering pines. Bring your own equipment or rent snowshoes at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.

Hiking and snowshoeing

Popular snowshoe routes include the Dr. Roberts, Brower and Schoolcraft trails.

You can snowshoe anywhere in the park except on groomed ski or snowmobile trails.

Cross-country skiing

Miles of groomed trail allow you to choose one that fits your skill, physical condition and the weather.

The park grooms trails for both classic and skate skiing.

Itasca State Park does not rent skis.

Note: Skiers age 16 and older must carry a signed ski pass on all groomed state park ski trails. Daily passes are available for sale at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.

Warm up

Warm up in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center in front of the fireplace.

Wander through the building to view exhibits and watch a short movie about the park.

Day One: Evening

Head back to the Four-Season Suites and make dinner.

Attend a naturalist-led program or event, if one is offered. If not, play cards or games.

Take a short evening hike to gaze at the moon and stars. The best views of the night sky can be found along Lake Itasca and in parking lots, such as the one at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center.

Day Two: Morning

Have breakfast. Pack a snack and water for the trail.

Drive to the Mary Gibbs Center at the Headwaters of the Mississippi River State Water Trail. Walk through the outdoor exhibits and down to the water.

Note: The nature store and café are not open in the winter.

Take family photos and selfies in front of the iconic post.

From the headwaters, walk or snowshoe the Schoolcraft Trail for a wide view of Lake Itasca and Schoolcraft Island

Enjoy your snack at the overlook. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Some of the many animals you may see or hear if you are quiet: owls, woodpeckers, otters, white-tailed deer, snowshoe hare, and mink.

Return to your vehicle. It's time to check out and head home.

Special notes

Don't rely on your smartphone for navigation. Cell phones work at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center (where there is also wifi), but not in the park's more remote places. Bring a trail map and tell someone where you are headed and when you expect to return.

Summer: Swim at the beach, ride the bike trail, wade across the headwaters of the Mississippi River State Water Trail.

Fall: Climb the fire tower for the most breathtaking view of fall colors.

Getting to the park

From Park Rapids: Take U.S. Highway 71 north for 23 miles.

From Bemidji: Go 30 miles south on U.S. Highway 71. Then go 1/10 mile north on State Highway 200.

From Bagley: Take State Highway 92/State Highway 200 south for 21 miles.

GPS device users: Lat. 47.194648 Long. -95.165012

Note: In winter, the south entrance is closed. The east entrance and the north entrance remain open.

Want to explore a nearby park?

If you'd like even more winter adventure, check out Lake Bemidji State Park, approximately 30 miles from Itasca State Park. There you'll find naturalist programs throughout the winter, groomed ski trails, snowshoe rentals and four winterized camper cabins.